Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Today, Montessori infant & toddler programs around the country usually have a similar look and feel--low floor beds, floor space for movement, low shelves, natural materials, tiny wooden chairs and tables for eating, and not a highchair or swing in sight. But Montessori toddler programs seem to fall into two paradigms--one model seeming more developmentally oriented while the other has a slightly more academic feel. Some of the more academic programs, or academic transition programs, have class a few hours a day, 9 months of the year designed for older toddlers. On the other hand, programs that provide full-day Montessori care and education 7 days a week, year-round for the infants and toddlers of parents who work, may lean toward a developmental approach. Families have different needs and expectations. Along with other types of materials, "academic transition" toddler classrooms introduce some traditional early childhood didactic materials by modifying them for toddlers. Montessori infant & toddler programs are something special because Montessori philosophy is special. Because Montessori philosophy teaches that every child carries within her the person she will become, those in Montessori care and education are compelled to treat each child with dignity and respect. Montessori believed in the innate intelligence and integrity of every infant, toddler, and child. So Montessori infant & toddler programs are built on respect for the "personhood" of the child, trust in the child's inborn desire to learn, and belief in the miraculous ability of the child to absorb his world. Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber focused on the "I-thou" relationship with the child. William and Martha Sears emphasized nurturing touch. In this article, the author describes how the Montessori approach meshes with other models. To guide peaceful, tolerant, cooperative children, adults must also learn to be peaceful, tolerant, and cooperative. It is acceptable, and even desirable, for differences to exist in teaching styles among competent Montessori professionals as they integrate components of other methodologies that they deem compatible with Montessori, but also occasionally as they interpret Montessori philosophy differently. Tolerance, open-mindedness, a desire to share knowledge, and a longing for continued self-improvement are critical to individual professionalism.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: On behalf of the entire AMS Board of Directors, I am pleased to share with you, the membership of AMS, a revised mission statement for our organization, as well as a new vision statement and a set of core values that were developed, reviewed, and unanimously approved on October 26, 2014.The document also states that schools should create a mission statement, "in collaboration with its stakeholders, including administrators, governing board members, faculty, staff, parents, students, and community," and should periodically review their mission statement, educational goals, and philosophy, revising them when appropriate. "The mission, vision, and core values represent a reaffirmation of who we are as a Montessori society of 13,000 individual members and 1,500 organizational members (including schools and affiliated teacher education programs)."

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: STANDARD 2: GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT-STRATEGIC PLAN The quality Montessori school promotes student learning and school effectiveness through strong governance and leadership and establishes, implements, monitors, and refines a strategic planning process to demonstrate continuous improvement.STANDARD 4: DOCUMENTING AND USING RESULTS- LEARNER OUTCOMES The quality Montessori school enacts a comprehensive assessment system that monitors and documents outcomes and uses these results to improve learner outcomes and school effectiveness.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040